Japanese Business Glossary

約束手形 (yakusoku tegata) refers to a promissory note in Japan. This is a financial document in which one party (the maker) promises in writing to pay a specific sum of money to another party (the payee) either on demand or at a fixed or determinable future date.

A yakusoku tegata typically includes key details such as the amount to be paid, the date of payment, the names of the maker and the payee, and the place where the payment is to be made. It serves as a formal and legally binding commitment to fulfill the payment obligation, and it can be used in various business transactions, including loans, sales agreements, and trade financing.

The use of a promissory note in Japan provides a level of security and assurance to the payee, as it is a written promise that can be enforced legally if the maker fails to make the payment as agreed. This instrument is a common method of facilitating credit and financial transactions in the business world.

情報開示請求 (joho kaiji seikyū) translates to "request for information disclosure" in English. This is a formal procedure where an individual or organization requests access to certain information held by another party, often a government body or a corporation.

In Japan, this process is governed by laws designed to promote transparency and accountability.

When you make a joho kaiji seikyū, you usually need to specify the type of information you want, provide any necessary identification, and sometimes pay a fee.

The organization receiving the request is generally required to respond within a certain timeframe, either by providing the requested information or by explaining why it cannot be disclosed.

法人 (hojin) in Japanese refers to a legal entity or a corporation. It is a term used to describe any organization that has been granted legal rights and responsibilities separate from its individual members. In Japan, a hojin can be classified into different types, such as 株式会社 (Kabushiki Kaisha or KK), which is a joint-stock company; 合同会社 (Godo Kaisha or GK), which is a limited liability company; 合名会社 (Gomei Kaisha), which is a general partnership; 合資会社 (Goshi Kaisha), which is a limited partnership; 社団法人 (Shadan Hojin), which is a general incorporated association; and 財団法人 (Zaidan Hojin), which is a general incorporated foundation. Each type of hojin has its own set of rules and regulations governing its formation, management, and operation.

詐害行為 (sagai kōi) refers to fraudulent acts or actions taken with the intent to deceive or harm others, typically in a financial or legal context. In Japan, this term is often used in legal situations where someone is accused of trying to defraud creditors or other parties by transferring assets, hiding property, or engaging in other deceptive practices to avoid fulfilling obligations or debts.

The law in Japan provides measures to protect against such fraudulent activities, allowing affected parties to challenge and nullify transactions or actions that are deemed to be fraudulent. This is to ensure fairness and protect the rights of creditors and other stakeholders.

交付 (kōfu) refers to the act of delivering, issuing, or handing over something, typically official documents or certificates, in a formal or legal context. This term is commonly used when discussing the provision of government-issued documents such as licenses, permits, certificates, or notifications.

For example, when a government agency issues a business license, the act of providing that license to the recipient is referred to as kofu. It signifies the official transfer of a document from the issuing authority to the individual or organization entitled to receive it.

返還 (henkan) refers to the act of returning or restoring something to its original owner or state. This term is often used in legal, financial, and governmental contexts in Japan.

For example, henkan can refer to the return of property, funds, or assets that were previously transferred or taken. It can also be used in the context of repatriating territories or returning borrowed items. The concept emphasizes the obligation to restore ownership or possession to the rightful party.